Bell 212

The twin-engine utility helicopter built for reliability and multirole service.

Overview

Bell United States ICAO: B212 1968–1998 Active $4.9 million (2019)

The Bell 212 is a twin-engine development of the Bell 205 family. Introduced in the late 1960s, it provided improved safety and performance. The aircraft remains widely used in civil and military roles.

Live Fleet Activity (B212)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-3
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
1,800 shp · 1,342 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
15
Crew
—
Cabin width
7 ft 10 in  ·  2.40 m
Cabin height
3 ft 11 in  ·  1.20 m
Cabin length
8 ft 10 in  ·  2.70 m
Exterior length
57 ft 1 in  ·  17.40 m
Tail height
12 ft 6 in  ·  3.80 m
Fuselage diameter
8 ft 6 in  ·  2.60 m
Wing span
47 ft 11 in  ·  14.60 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
11,200 lb  ·  5,100 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
4,700 lb  ·  2,150 kg
Fuel capacity
300 gal · 1,100 L · 900 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
120 kt  ·  138 mph  ·  222 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
250 nm  ·  290 mi  ·  460 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
17,400 ft  ·  5,300 m
Rate of climb
1,745 ft/min  ·  9 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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Bell 212HP operated by Kachina

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Operational Context

Bell 212 — twin-engine utility helicopter

The Bell 212 first flew in 1968 and entered service in 1971. It retained the general fuselage layout of the single-engine Huey while incorporating a twin-engine drivetrain. The helicopter features a two-blade main rotor and skid or wheeled landing gear options.

Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T turboshaft engines producing a combined output of approximately 1,800 shaft horsepower, the Bell 212 cruises at around 120 knots (222 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 11,000 pounds (4,990 kg). The cabin can carry up to 14 passengers depending on configuration.

The Bell 212 has served in transport, firefighting, and search and rescue roles worldwide. Its twin-engine configuration improved safety for overwater and mountainous operations. Many examples remain active decades after introduction.